“Folsom Prison Blues” is a country song written and first recorded by Johnny Cash. It was originally released on his 1955 album Folsom Prison. The song is a first-person narrative about a man who is incarcerated in Folsom Prison, a state prison in California. The song’s lyrics are dark and foreboding, and they paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of prison life.
The song begins with Cash singing about how he was “born in a prison cell” and how he has “lived my life in Folsom Prison.” He sings about how he is “chained to the wall” and how he is “surrounded by men who have no souls.” The song’s lyrics create a sense of hopelessness and despair, and they convey the feeling of being trapped in a living hell.
The chorus of the song is a simple but powerful refrain. Cash sings, “I’m stuck in Folsom Prison, and time keeps draggin’ on.” The song’s chorus is a reminder of the long and difficult road that lies ahead for the song’s narrator.
The bridge of the song is a moment of reflection. Cash sings about how he has “wasted” his life and how he has “made a lot of mistakes.” He sings about how he is “sorry” for the things he has done and how he wishes he could “go back and start all over.” The song’s bridge is a moment of regret and remorse, and it shows that the song’s narrator is still capable of feeling human emotion.
The song ends with Cash singing about how he is “going to stay in Folsom Prison” until the day he dies. The song’s ending is bleak and hopeless, and it leaves the listener with a sense of despair.
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a powerful and moving song that has had a profound impact on American music and culture. It is a song about the harsh realities of prison life, and it is a reminder of the importance of freedom. The song has been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Garcia, and Bruce Springsteen.
In conclusion, “Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic country song that is sure to move and inspire listeners of all ages. It is a song that will continue to be covered and performed for many years to come.
Here are some additional details about the song and its impact:
- “Folsom Prison Blues” was written by Johnny Cash while he was serving in the United States Air Force in Germany.
- The song was inspired by Cash’s visit to Folsom Prison in 1953.
- “Folsom Prison Blues” was released as a single in 1955 and reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
- The song has been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Garcia, and Bruce Springsteen.
- “Folsom Prison Blues” is considered to be one of the most important and influential country songs ever written. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the National Recording Registry.
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Tam Le